Rosh Chodesh Av, and the Secret of Overcoming Negativity
The month of Av begins this shabbos, and the Mishna comments “mishenichnas Av, mema’atin b’simcha/when Av enters, we diminish in joy” (Taanit 29a). Tisha B’Av, the 9th day of the month, is the date on which both Temples in Jerusalem were destroyed, and the three week period preceding this tragic day is a period of mourning during which we refrain from various joyous activies like listening to music, celebrating weddings and cutting hair.
Our commemoration of the destruction intensifies on the final nine days from the first of Av through the ninth, and we observe additional restrictions like the prohibition of eating meat and drinking wine. On a simple level, the Mishna is teaching us that the abstinence from these activities which are associated with joy causes us to “diminish in simcha” so that we can properly mourn the loss of the Temple and Jerusalem.
Chassidus provides an additional and more inward understanding of the aforementioned Mishna. “Mishenichnas Av” – when Av enters with all of its heaviness and negativity, “mema’atin b’simcha” – we diminish (this heaviness and negativity) through joy. In other words, it is specifically through added simcha at this time of national tragedy that we can transform this time of historic darkness to the time of promised light. While the three weeks have been a period of chronic misfortune, it is also prophesied that the Messiah will be “born” at this time. How can we fulfill this prophesy? By being b’simcha/joyous even amidst the challenges of exile.
Chassidus is not, of course, suggesting that we should not observe the halachic restrictions that are imposed at this time. Yet even as we refrain from these activities, we are still able and obliged to take great joy in the performance of God’s will at all times. The Chassidic masters instruct that our simcha in daily mitzvos should be even more profound and pronounced during these three weeks and its final nine days in particular. By displaying our joy in our connection to God even in the midst of seeming misfortune, we acknowledge that all is Godly, and everything – even this test that we currently endure – is from God.
When we recognize God’s ultimate unity, His presence at the root and core of every aspect of creation, we see no darkness, for He is light. When we display this level of faith, all negativity will be transformed, and its essential goodness will be revealed.
— Pnei Hashem is an introduction to the deepest depths of the human experience based on the esoteric teachings of Torah. www.pneihashem.com
